<div><p>Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and California state lawmakers from both parties say the federal government has been shortchanging California and are pressing for nearly $1 billion.</p><p>The governor and four legislative leaders sent a letter Friday to congressional leaders asking for $700 million more in federal health care funding. The letter urged Congress to pass bills that would repay states for past Medicare costs.</p><p>They also sent a letter to the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary seeking a formula change that could bring the state $250 million more from Medicare.</p><p>California leaders have been lobbying for more federal money to help fill the state's budget gap, saying they are just asking for the state's fair share.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=68537986&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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